Video tracks in Reason have been on my wish list for quite a long time, years in fact. Although video tracks in Reason haven’t happened yet, it doesn’t mean they won’t, we’ve all seen Reason wishes come true, even in the recent past. VSTs, curved automation, mp3 exports, and the list goes on. If you can’t wait for a Christmas miracle, what can you do in the meantime?
Many already know that VidPlayVST is out there but not all will have tried it, even some that would like to see video tracks within Reason. Possibly because it’s not free and possibly because some would like to see it in action within Reason first. Does VidPlayerVST make up for not having native video tracks available in Reason 11? Let’s find out!
VidPlayVST is a plug-in for producers composing music synchronised to video. It uses FFmpeg, which is an Open Source library of tools for working with video and audio data in multiple formats. The plug-in is able to open and play video files in any format supported by FFmpeg.
Using VidPlayVST In Reason 11:
VidPlayVST’s name tells you most of what you need to know about the plugin. Just like any other VST, you can drag it from Reason’s browser and drop it into the rack. The plugin will automatically have a track assigned to it and it’s ready for action straight away. Then, load in your video file, and off you go! Let’s explore how to obtain it…
Getting and Installing VidPlayVST:
No one likes to be told to read the manual I know, but before going straight for the download, why not check out the main page first, it contains pretty much everything you’ll need to know. For a quick five minute educational read, head here. For those that like a little more information, you can find some in their FAQ.
Ok now we’ve taken care of that, we’ll mention another hurdle… it’s not free. I know, what were they thinking… but, for less than the cost of a discounted Waves plugin you get to play videos inside of Reason.
Once you’ve taken the plunge, you’ll be given a download link. The download contains 32 & 64-bit versions of the plugin. There’s no Windows installer, just grab the 64-bit .dll file and drop it into your VST folder on your hard drive. It’s that simple! The next time you fire up Reason, it will be available to use.
Still with us? Good! Let’s take a look at what Reason Users can expect from this plugin…
Notes On Using VidPlayVST In Reason:
Below is a list of key points and features that will hopefully answer some of the main questions Reason Users will want answering.
- You can drag it from the browser and into the rack like any other VST.
- Click on the File icon to select your video.
- If you only have a short video, you can head into the settings and select ‘loop’.
- Video playback starts and stops when you use Reasons transport controls.
- VidPlayVST also responds to moving Reasons play-head around in the sequencer.
- The plugin is fully resizable, so you can tuck it into any part of the onscreen workspace that you like.
- If you want to remove the distractions of Reason while assessing the effectiveness of your creation, you can pop it into fullscreen mode. VidPlayVST and chill.
- I don’t use this solely for scoring duties, it also works great to keep you inspired as you work. Eyes on the prize!
This should cover most of what you need to know in advance. The video below, is just a quick demonstration of it inside Reason. Check it out!
Video:
Features At A Glance:
- Facility to pick out a specific cue from a longer video reel.
- Loop mode, which is useful for live performance or rolling presentations.
- By default video start synchronises to time zero in the host transport. Optionally, a MIDI note C can be used to trigger playback at any other project position.
- The plug-in window is resizable and, optionally, the video may be viewed in a detached window or full screen.
- Video may be viewed at its original aspect ratio or scaled to fit a chosen window size.
- Plays the soundtrack if present within the video file, or it can be muted.
- Option to display SMPTE timecode.
- Designed to be light on computer resources so it can be used within complex audio projects.
- Supports in-DAW video rendering using companion plug-in VidRenderVST.
- Compatible with Microsoft Windows and Apple OSX/macOS, Apple OSX/macOS Audio Unit (AU) Version, and Linux.
- The VST plug-in conforms to VSTi v2.4 and has been tested with Reason.
Conclusion/Verdict:
I’m not scoring for movies, television, or even trailers so my needs are quite modest. This plugin covers all of the basses that I have currently, and also a few more. Having used it for quite a while I know that if I did have to deliver professionally, this plugin would allow me to do so. Somebody scoring for a living is unlikely to choose this route, but I maintain that if they wanted to they could.
The bottom line? If Reason Studios never get their fingers out and deliver video inside of Reason, I’d be happy to continue to use this plugin. It might not be the tool of choice for professionals, but it will allow you to get the job done effectively. So, that’s a thumbs up from us.
If you want to skip straight to the downloads page, you can do so here.